This was a video we shot on special request. So guys, you're in a contra line, and an ambitious caller calls out something to the effect of...."Pay attention...gents to the middle and swing!" Generally, at least at Glen Echo, this will get the various follows (usually female) to grin a bit, and maybe half the guys will just dive in and go for it. However, several others get this look of sheer panic and an awkward pause ensues while they and the person they're supposed to swing figure out what's what. So this week's video, featuring Michael Lyons and Steven Roth, serves as a demo on different swings you can do when that call comes.

(It should be noted that several women I know follow these as well, and the advice holds for them too -- except that the default would probably be to assume the lead position as opposed to follow if you want to give an easy lead. Of course, that said, I know several women who regularly dance the gents' role who do so because they want to dance the lead role. So it's still one of those things where your mileage may vary, but here are a couple of feathers to put in your hat anyway to use sometime. Go, have fun, and if one of these helps you have even more fun, then life is good. If it doesn't, remember it's just a dance, smile lots, and keep going. It'll be a funny story to tell at the diner later.)

Please share your flourishes (and how to do them)! Upload them to YouTube and then send me the link in the Contact Me form and they might get featured on this blog!

As promised, here is some video from this week's Contra Sonic with dJ improper spinning and Perry Shafran calling:

Happy Friday to all!

Carry on dancing,

CS

This project has concluded as of mid-2013 (with an epilogue posted mid-2016) but we hope to see you soon on a contra dance floor! Meanwhile, head over to our Facebook page for upcoming techno contra events and other items of interest.

Author

I dance with abandon. I play with glowsticks. I look for music that is conducive to one or both. I play behind cameras. I write about all of the above. I'm based in Glen Echo's contra dance community outside of Washington, D.C., but I'm happy to go dance afield when I can. Lather, rinse, repeat. Always repeat.